Russian Honey Cake - A Sweet Delight from Russia

Ingredients

• 4 cups (480g) all-purpose flour 4 cups (480g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (240ml) honey 1 cup (240ml) honey
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 large eggs 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• For the cream cheese filling: For the cream cheese filling:
• 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Nutrition

• Calories: 480 kcal / 2010 kJ
• Fat: 28g (Saturated Fat: 16g)
• Carbohydrates: 54g (Sugar: 34g)
• Protein: 7g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.4g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour nine 9-inch round cake pans.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. 3.
   Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the honey, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.
4. 4.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. 5.
   Divide the dough into 9 equal portions. Roll out each portion into a thin circle and place it onto the prepared cake pans. Prick the dough with a fork to prevent air bubbles.
6. 6.
   Bake the layers for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely.
7. 7.
   In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined.
8. 8.
   In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.
9. 9.
   Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of the cream cheese filling on top. Repeat this process with the remaining layers, stacking them one on top of the other.
10. 10.
    Once all the layers are stacked, cover the cake with the remaining cream cheese filling, ensuring an even coating on the sides and top.
11. 11.
    Refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld together and the cream to soften the layers.
12. 12.
    Serve chilled and enjoy the heavenly taste of Russian Honey Cake!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Honey — Use a high-quality honey for the best flavor. Opt for a mild-flavored honey to avoid overpowering the other ingredients.
• Cream cheese — Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before using to ensure a smooth and creamy filling.
• Heavy cream — Chill the mixing bowl and beaters in the refrigerator for a few minutes before whipping the cream to achieve the best results.
• Lemon zest — Use a microplane or fine grater to zest the lemon, avoiding the bitter white pith.

Tips & Tricks

• To make the cake layers more uniform, use a round cake pan as a template to cut out the dough circles.
• For a more pronounced lemon flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon juice to the cream cheese filling.
• Decorate the top of the cake with crushed nuts or drizzle it with honey for an extra touch of elegance.
• If you prefer a sweeter cake, you can increase the amount of powdered sugar in the cream cheese filling.
• Allow the cake to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to soften the layers slightly.

Serving advice

Slice the Russian Honey Cake into generous portions and serve it chilled. The cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or coffee, allowing you to savor the delightful combination of flavors.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation of the Russian Honey Cake, dust the top with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or garnish it with fresh berries. The layers of the cake will be beautifully visible, showcasing the skill and effort put into creating this masterpiece.